Archive

MCC Board Meeting Report: April 15

The Manatee Community College
(MCC) District Board of Trustees voted to approve a new name to
fit the college's new status as a four-year state college in
its regularly scheduled board meeting held at MCC Venice on
April 15.

In a historic decision, the board approved the new
name:

STATE COLLEGE
OF FLORIDAManatee and Sarasota

"It's a big step, but it's a step that obviously needs
to be taken. It reflects the potential and possibilities of
the institution," said Steve Harner, board
chairman.

The decision comes one month after the State Board of
Education gave unanimous approval for MCC to offer the
bachelor's of science in nursing (BSN) degree. Approval of
the bachelor's degree places the College in the company of
other four-year degree-granting colleges known as state
colleges.

"The board had an opportunity today to act in a
historic way to move forward with a vision to become the
State College of Florida," MCC President Dr. Lars A. Hafner
said.

Hafner also brought to the board's attention a recent
TV interview by Will Holcombe, Chancellor of Florida's
Community College System, who praised the College for the
community support gained in becoming a state college.

The board equally praised Hafner for leading the
college in a direction that will allow the College to meet
the need for four-year degrees in the area.

"We appreciate your bold vision," said board member
Kelvin Lumpkin. "I'm really excited about where this
institution is going."

As a vote of confidence, the board also approved a three-year
contract with a rolling clause that will provide for
longevity. Given the economic times, Hafner declined to
accept an increase in pay.

MCC Venice Provost Darlene Wedler-Johnson also gave a report
on enrollment at MCC Venice. The Venice campus experienced a
55 percent growth in the last five years. If the enrollment
growth trend continues in the next 10 years, the Venice
campus may more than double enrollment with about 6,400
students in spring 2019. The data does not take into account
the programs the College will offer in the future, which are
likely to draw more students.

The board also approved:

A new course and lab, Chemistry for Health Professionals,
was approved by the board to be offered at the College. The
course is necessary for the BSN program.

A grant proposal titled, "Emergency Communication and
Alert Equipment for State University System of Florida
Community Colleges," will enhance the security of the College
by improving communication with students, faculty and staff
during an emergency. The $42,244 grant, when awarded, will be
matched by the College.

A grant proposal titled, "Banner Center for Water
Resources" will be used to develop education programs and
curriculum aimed at providing the future labor market demand
for workers in the Water Utility Sector.

The College's Professional Services Selection Committee
(PSSC) was granted permission to negotiate with a top-ranked
firm, BMK Architects for miscellaneous projects on
campus.

The following staff and students were recognized at the board
meeting:

Jeff Snyder was named "Best Adviser" in District III by
Florida Junior Community College Student Government
Association (FJCCSGA) at an April event in Tallahassee.
Snyder has been the Venice campus student activities adviser
and SGA adviser since 2000.

Manatee Community College Phi Theta Kappa (PTK)
international honors society Venice chapter president Beth
Pramschufer won the All-Florida Academic Team Award granted
at the 2009 All-Florida Academic Team Ceremony on April 2 in
Tallahassee.

The MCC Venice Math Olympics team won first place in the
small college division in statewide competition held in March
at the University of North Florida (UNF), Jacksonville. The
team previously ranked first in its division for four
consecutive years from 2004 to 2007. MCC's team members were:
Junije Fu, Steve Suggs, Jake Suggs, Diana Livingston, Adam
Collier, Greg Csiki, Dierdre Meyers, Carmino Spina. The team
coach is Mary Beth Headlee, assistant professor of
mathematics.

Members of the Manatee Community College (MCC) Venice Phi
Beta Lambda (PBL) business club earned 10 awards in the 2009
State Leadership Conference and Competition in Tampa held
March 19 - 22. Members were Brian Abel, Mike Brown, William
Herman, Ashley Darr, Bryan Felipe, Holly Hermann, Kerri
Kindall and Tayrn Thompson. In addition to the students, Dr.
Louis Okonkwo, professor of business technology, PBL Venice
club adviser and district adviser, received the "Adviser of
the Year Award."

The next regularly scheduled board meeting will be held at
8:30 a.m. May 20 at MCC Bradenton.